Teenage fencers lead Nigeria's campaign at World Championships

Posted : 13 July 2026

Nigeria will field a youthful team at the 2026 World Fencing Championships in Hong Kong from July 22 to July 30, with teenage athletes spearheading the country's quest for international recognition and valuable world ranking points.

The Nigeria Fencing Federation (NFF) confirmed the country's participation on Monday, describing the tournament as another important step in the development of fencing in Nigeria.

More than 1,000 elite fencers from over 100 countries are expected to compete at the AsiaWorld-Expo in what is regarded as the sport's biggest competition outside the Olympic Games.

Eighteen-year-old Inkosi Brou will captain Team Nigeria after climbing to 65th in the world rankings following his impressive quarter-final finish at the African Fencing Championships in Abidjan.

Brou will contest the men's sabre event alongside world number 120 Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye and 16-year-old Olen Phoenix Zaoku.

Zaoku, ranked 507th globally, will be the youngest among the 154 competitors in the men's sabre event, with the teenager describing his qualification as a major milestone in his career.

Seventeen-year-old Adebodunrin Thomas will be Nigeria's sole female representative, competing in the women's épée event against a field of 174 fencers.

Thomas heads into the championships after successive appearances at the African Fencing Championships, where she has continued to establish herself as one of Nigeria's promising young talents.

National coach Ibrahim Alogba said the championships would provide the athletes with an opportunity to compete against the world's best while boosting their confidence ahead of next month's Commonwealth Fencing Championships.

"We are excited that our fencers will have another opportunity to test their might against some of the finest athletes in the world.

"Beyond competition, this is about gaining valuable ranking points and building confidence ahead of the Commonwealth Championships next month.

"Every member of this team is capable of surprising the world. We have prepared well, and everyone understands the responsibility of representing Nigeria.

"We have a young team eager to learn, improve, and compete at the highest level. This championship provides essential exposure against the world's best," Alogba said.

The federation said Nigeria's continued participation in major international competitions reflected the steady growth of the sport, adding that it remained committed to providing young athletes with opportunities to compete on the global stage.

According to the federation, the long-term objective is to build a national team capable of challenging established fencing nations at future continental and world events. The upcoming championships will offer Nigeria's young fencers another valuable platform to gain experience against elite opposition as they continue their development and prepare for future international assignments.

Teenage fencers lead Nigeria's campaign at World Championships

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